Need Help/Advice

[JPRG]

Ok, So I am not sure if I posted this in the wrong place or not, so if it is wrong, sorry I am new here :)

Anyways, I'm 24 years old and have wanted to be a nurse since I graduated Highschool. However, when I was 21 I dropped out of community college to work FT. Needless to say, my grades are not good. My college GPA is a 2.6? I really want to go back to school and get my RN, but I am worried because I have screwed up my gpa so bad in the past. I know I could go to a tech school or something like that but I really would like to try to pursue my nursing career at my community college because I have all the pre requisites taken, just basically need to get into the Nursing Program and take all the nursing courses.

Now, my question is, would it even be worth it to try to go back with such a low GPA? I was thinking about retaking some courses, or to take other courses to raise my GPA. I was thinking maybe courses like medical terminology, or other courses in allied health that aren't required but still might look good on my transcript..? Does anyone have any advice here?

Also, a little history on me, I have been a PCA for 4 years and I am the 'head' PCA so I've had a good bit of experience, not necessarily in nursing but in bedside manner, etc in a nursing home. I've also worked under a nurse who has taught me how to do things like, take off doctors orders, calling the doctors with lab results, charting, etc. etc. Also, I am a certified nursing assistant, CPR certified and diabetic trained. Also certified to pass/ and administer medications. I'm just curious if maybe having a somewhat medical history might help my chances at getting into the program.

I am very appreciate to anyone who took the time to read this and any advice that can be offered. Thanks!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Moved to our Pre-Nursing Student forum for member advice.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

First find out what the requirements are in the nursing program that you are interested in; how many retakes you are required, if you have to take a test, etc. and go from there.

[RunBabyRN]

Do some research on programs in your area. See if any run by a lottery system. As long as you meet the minimum requirements in this case, you're in the pot with everyone else.

Be sure that any classes you take to boost your GPA are transferable. Check on repeat policies before you repeat anything you've already passed. Some schools won't accept you if you've repeated passed courses.

[mel805]

I am in the same position but I found a nursing school in my area who factors your GPA ONLY for your science pre-reqs and English. I screwed off a little back in the day, but I am serious and focused now (10 years later). I would search for a school that admits based on your pre-reqs only and then try to get all A's this time around.